The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is near the bank of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, Ark.

The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is near the bank of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, Ark.

Photo: Betty Luman, Houston Chronicle

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An old railroad bridge crossing the Arkansas River near the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock was converted to a bridge for walkers, joggers and bicyclists. It's one of four that are part of of the 17-mile River Trail.

An old railroad bridge crossing the Arkansas River near the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock was converted to a bridge for walkers, joggers and bicyclists. It's one of four that are part of of the

"Testimony," a bronze sculpture of the Little Rock Nine, on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol.

"Testimony," a bronze sculpture of the Little Rock Nine, on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol.

Photo: Betty Luman, Houston Chronicle

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McNay Art Museum hosted an evening of modern glam rock and cocktails during its Meet the Future After Party, Saturday night, in support of the local arts community.

McNay Art Museum hosted an evening of modern glam rock and cocktails during its Meet the Future After Party, Saturday night, in support of the local arts community.

Photo: By Fabian Villa, For MySA.com

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Fresh peas, peppers and cucumbers make a colorful still life at the River Market Farmers Market in downtown Little Rock, Ark.

Fresh peas, peppers and cucumbers make a colorful still life at the River Market Farmers Market in downtown Little Rock, Ark.

Photo: Betty Luman, Houston Chronicle

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A tour guide in period dress opens the gate to a collection of original farm buildings at the Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock.

A tour guide in period dress opens the gate to a collection of original farm buildings at the Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock.

Photo: Betty Luman, Houston Chronicle

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Home of Big Dam Bridge, so much more

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LITTLE ROCK — You have to love a place that builds a towering hike-and-bike trail above a dam, then names the thing the Big Dam Bridge.

Opened in 2006, the Big Dam Bridge is one of four crossings over the Arkansas River dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists. It's part of the Arkansas River Trail's 17-mile loop on both sides of the river that separates the state capital from the smaller North Little Rock.

The Big Dam Bridge, is, of course, the biggest of the bridges, spanning 4,226 feet.

If you get a hankering to see the entire River Trail, check in with Bobby's Bike Hike, a bike rental outfit on President Clinton Avenue in the downtown River Market.

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Speaking of President Clinton, you'll know you're in his home state — where he served four terms as governor — when you land at the airport, renamed the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport earlier this year. It's a city with plenty to see.

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library: Not surprisingly, Clinton's library is filled with facts and stats, including 80 million pages of documents in the archive. The timeline of Clinton's presidency, or what guide Jinkie Redden called the “policy alcoves,” covers topics such as the economy, people and education. One labeled “the fight for power” outlines Clinton's Whitewater troubles and the impeachment battle.

Kids and adults get a kick out of sitting in the president's chair in the full-size reproduction of the Cabinet Room. Here you can step inside a duplicate of the Oval Office.

The real fun is on the third floor, where gifts from world leaders are displayed, such as the gold-, ivory- and gem-encrusted sword and scabbard from the Indonesian minister of education.

Info: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $7 for adults; $5 for 62 and older, retired military and college students; $3 for ages 6-17; free for active-duty military and ages 5 and younger. Restaurant: Forty Two, open for lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. www.clintonlibrary.gov.

State Capitol: Especially impressive in the neoclassical Arkansas State Capitol are the stained-glass skylights in the House and Senate chambers and the 10-foot-tall bronze doors at the east entrance. The six doors, each weighing 1,000 pounds, were purchased from Tiffany & Co. for $10,000 in 1910. Their current value has been estimated at $250,000.

On the north lawn, “Testament” depicts the Little Rock Nine, the teenagers who integrated Central High School. We walked right into the middle of the bronze sculptures of the book-toting nine.

Minor League Baseball: Dickey-Stephens Park is home to the Arkansas Travelers of the Double-A Texas League. Opened in 2007, the gem of a ballpark in North Little Rock provides stunning evening views of downtown Little Rock across the river. Box seats are $12; sit on the outfield grass berms for just $6.

Just below the River Market you'll find Riverfront Park with its sculptures, kids' splash-and-climb parks and a fitness mile. And if you were wondering whether there is a real little rock, you'll find it in the park. French explorers used La Petite Roche as a landmark in the early 1700s. On the North Little Rock side, you can explore a World War II submarine or catch a cruise on the Arkansas Queen Riverboat.

And when you are done with history, relax with a 21st-century meal and libation at Copper Grill (300 E. Third).